Huge growth in tourist arrivals in Goa

There was a huge growth in the arrivals of the tourists, both domestic and foreign, from the year 2013 to 2016, and in 2017 upto September (January to September), the state received 43.09 lakh tourists as compared to 34.47 lakh tourists during the same period in 2016, according to Economic Survey tabled in the state assembly recently.

There had been a growth of 19.50 per cent during 2016 in the tourist arrival as compared to 2015, the survey said, adding 988 chartered flights landed in the state with 2,32,679 passengers during 2016-17 as compared to 798 flights in 2015-16.

Upto December 31, 2017, 405 chartered flights with 1,08,715 passengers landed in the state, it added.

During 2017-18 (upto October 31, 2017) there was an increase of 7.93 per cent in the availability of rooms compared to previous year, it said.

The survey said several initiatives like innovative marketing, promotion of destination within India and across the world, key tourist infrastructure projects were undertaken to improve the facilities for the tourist and carrying capacity of the state.

Continuous efforts were being made through promotion in print and electronic media within the country and across the world to make the state an ideal tourist destination with a view to increase foreign exchange earnings.

The state received several awards and accolades for its participation at various events due to its professional and strategic approach.